When Pompey beat Hull last week to reach the League One summit, nobody knew it would be their final fixture of 2020.
But an outbreak of Covid-19 cases mean that the side are not in action again until a trip to Accrington on January 2.
Five players have tested positive, ensuring matches against Swindon on Boxing Day and Bristol Rovers three days later were postponed.
And Kenny Jackett insisted that was the only option to ensure the virus did not continue to spread among the squad.
The Blues boss said: “We are disappointed to have the games called off, but it was the right thing to do.
“There were five players who tested positive and although they’re not particularly bad cases, a few of the lads did feel pretty rough.
"It was probably always going to happen as we went through the winter and I would have been surprised if things did go totally smoothly."
“Now it’s important to make sure that the virus doesn’t spread further and go right the way around the squad.
“We have a duty of care to our players and hopefully this little circuit breaker will help them recover, allow us to monitor any new symptoms and then see where we are next week.
“Portsmouth recently went into ‘Tier 4’ and cases are rising generally, so that’s going to be reflected at the club.
“It was probably always going to happen as we went through the winter and I would have been surprised if things did go totally smoothly.
“We’ve got to negotiate our way through this period. We’ve done the right thing and hope everyone gets better soon.
“People’s safety is always the most important thing and it’s vital that we do what is right for the greater good.”